Serial burglar may be at large in El Cajon

EL CAJON 
A serial burglar who broke into several El Cajon homes while the residents were asleep last winter and fall is believed to have struck again, police said.

Three “hot prowl” burglaries were reported in the southeast area of the city Friday night and Saturday morning, El Cajon police said. The break-ins were similar to 15 others that occurred in the same area last year.

In those cases, the thief would commit several burglaries in an area over a few days, and then not strike again for some time, police said. The burglar would usually enter through unlocked doors and windows and steal small items such as wallets and purses.

Authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant and to keep windows and doors locked, especially at night. In the previous cases, many victims and residents reported hearing suspicious noises during the night but failed to call police.

“The public is going to be our eyes and ears to help us solve this,” said Lt. Frank Lahaye. “It if seems suspicious, call us.”

He asked anyone with information on potential cases or suspects to call Detective Robert Wining at (619) 441-1590.